Stress & Digestion: The Gut-Brain Connection

We’ve all experienced that flutter in our stomach before a big presentation or the sudden dash to the bathroom when nerves kick in. Thats because stress and digestion have a powerful connection and for many of us, ongoing stress can contribute to chronic gut issues that we can't seem to get to the bottom. Understanding how our nervous system impacts digestion is key to healing our gut and in this blog post I'm going to breakdown why and how you can fix it!

The Gut-Brain Connection - How Stress Impacts Digestion

Your gut and brain are in constant communication with one another through what’s called the gut-brain axis. When you’re under stress, your body activates it's “fight or flight” response, also known as your sympathetic nervous system that prioritizes survival over digestion. When your body is in this state blood is shunted away from the digestive tract to your muscles and heart to fight off potential danger, digestive secretions slow down, and gut motility (how food moves through your intestines) becomes irregular.

This stress response is crucial when our body is in actual danger but the issue is our nervous system doesn't know the difference between being chased by a lion and receiving a stressful email at work - both situations trigger the same stress response in our body. There are more obvious forms of stress like finances, relationships, the loss of a loved one, work & family but there are also less obvious stressors that trigger the same stress response such as skipping meals, excessive caffeine consumption, over exercising, nutrient deficiencies & lack of sleep.

Why Type A Personalities Are Prone to Digestive Issues

For those are identify with having more of a Type A personality - driven, ambitious, competitive, and often a perfectionistic - you might be more likely to struggle with digestive symptoms, and here’s why:

• Stuck in a constant high stress Environment: Type A individuals tend to live in a near-permanent state of fight-or-flight, which means their digestive system rarely gets a chance to fully shift into the parasympathetic“rest and digest” mode.

• Heightened cortisol levels: Chronic stress keeps cortisol (your stress hormone) elevated, which can reduce stomach acid production, impair nutrient absorption, and make bloating or reflux more common.

• Tendency toward overcommitment: Skipping meals, eating on the go, or relying on caffeine for energy all put additional strain on the digestive system.

The result? More frequent bloating, indigestion, IBS-like symptoms, or even acid reflux for these individuals

How Stress Impacts Bowel Habits

One of the most common ways stress shows up in the gut is through changes in bowel habits. Have you ever noticed that you're more prone to constipation on vacation or struggle to go when you have a busy schedule - you can thank your nervous system for that

As we know stress slows down our digestive functions and when coupled with changes in your routine, eating habits, hydration, and sleep that can throw off the natural rhythm of your bowels, leaving you feeling sluggish and backed up. On the flip side stress can also speed up motility for some people and push food through the intestines too quickly, leading to loose stools and a strong sense of urgency.

If you notice that your bowel habits are inconsistent and maybe you find it easier to go on the weekend appose to during the week - it may be time to look at your routine and start incorporating ways to support your nervous system to help get things moving.

Improve Digestion by Nourishing Your Nervous System

Supporting your nervous system is an important piece of the gut healing puzzle and the good news is you can incorporate these practices into your routine to help reduce stress and improve digestion

• Prioritize relaxation before meals: Take a few deep breaths, put away distractions, and give your body permission to shift into “rest and digest.”

• Practice gentle movement: Walking, yoga, or stretching can calm the nervous system and stimulate healthy digestion.

• Nourish your body consistently: Eating balanced meals at regular times helps stabilize blood sugar and prevents stress from wreaking havoc on your gut.

• Mind-body practices: Meditation, journaling, or even just five minutes of stillness can reduce cortisol levels and support smoother digestion.

It's impossible to completely eliminate stress, it's a normal part of life, but when it becomes chronic that's when your gut pays the price. If you’re a Type A personality that experiences frequent bloating, irregular bowel habits, or digestive discomfort, your stress levels may be just as important to address as your food choices. Ready to find the answers behind your mysterious gut issues and heal your gut for good? Check out the Total Gut Repair program & book a free no obligation discovery call to learn if it's the right fit for you 💚